The New England Patriots begin a new era with Mike Vrabel as head coach for the 2025 NFL season. Desperate to turn the page after years of misery, Robert Kraft is waiving goodbye to one of the players who won multiple Super Bowls with Tom Brady in Foxborough.
On Thursday, the Patriots announced that theyâve released longtime captain David Andrews. The veteran center, who had one more year under contract, spent all 10 years of his NFL career with the Patriots, celebrating Super Bowls LI and LIII as an important member of Bradyâs offense.
Andrews joined New England as an undrafted free agent out of Georgia in 2015 and went on to prove he was made for the NFL. A team captain for eight seasons, he made 124 regular season appearances with 121 starts and played in 12 playoff games with 10 starts, including three consecutive Super Bowl participations.
Andrews was the last offensive starter from the Patriotsâ 2019 Super Bowl-winning team who remained with the organization. Last year, he suffered a season-ending shoulder injury in Week 4 against the San Francisco 49ers.
Tom Brady #12 celebrates with David Andrews #60 of the New England Patriots during the second quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LII at U.S. Bank Stadium on February 4, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Robert Kraft on Patriots releasing David Andrews
âDavid Andrewsâ career success is a shining example of what every NFL prospect should strive to achieve,â Kraft said in a statement. âAs a rookie free agent, David earned a starting assignment at center in his NFL debut, a position he anchored for the next decade. His leadership, work ethic, and dedication to the team earned him the respect and admiration of his coaches and teammates, who elected him as an eight-time team captain.
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âThe importance of his leadership during his career cannot be overstated. David is a true professional, and his impact on this organization will be felt for many years to come. On behalf of the entire Kraft family and the New England Patriots, I want to express my deepest gratitude for his countless contributions, and we look forward to celebrating his remarkable career.â
Changes in Foxborough
Andrewsâ exit could be seen as a sign that the Patriots are determined to write a new chapter with a different generation of players. The team fell apart since Brady left in 2020, and Kraft doesnât want to waste more time.
Parting with the legendary Bill Belichick last year wasnât enough, which is why the Patriots removed Jerod Mayo as head coach after only one season. The owner placed his trust in Vrabel, also a multiple Super Bowl champion with the franchise as a player, who proved his credentials as HC on the Tennessee Titans.
As for Andrews, it remains to be seen whether heâll join another team in free agency or if this is the end. In the event he decides to hang them up, Mike Reiss of ESPN expects the Patriots to hold a ceremony to honor his legacy.
